“Everyone gets a trophy” is a value I have in my classroom. I often say to my students “We all learn at different speeds and that is okay. Something that may be easy for you might not be easy for someone else and vice versa.” This helps students understand that it’s fine to work toward different goals and encourages them to value their own progress. Focusing on their own individual growth rather than just a generalized final outcome creates an inclusive environment, where students feel safe to learn, take risks, and make mistakes. This lets students not only feel supported by me but also become encouraging classmates for one another.
